The local community centre closed over the Christmas break, but reopened its doors in mid-January, with most of its regular activities returning. Now, as we move into February, here are the free classes and events for locals to get involved in.
Community Yoga
Photo credit: HUB Neighbourhood Centre Inala/Facebook
For those looking to stretch their bodies and minds, Community Yoga with Yoga Partnership starts back up this month. Bring along your own mat, towel and water bottle and get your zen on Friday mornings. The yoga sessions are suitable for all levels and provide a peaceful way to finish off the working week.
Community Garden Group
Photo credit: HUB Neighbourhood Centre Inala/Facebook
Green thumbs and gardeners can get amongst the greenery by joining the Community Garden Group on Friday mornings from 9:30 a.m. Help out with watering duties, weeding, planting and generally tending to the community veggie patches and flower beds. It’s a great way to get outdoors and meet other locals who share your interests.
English Conversation Classes
Photo credit: hubcommunity.org.au
In addition, the centre resumes its popular English conversation classes which are free and for everyone. Separate classes for men and women provide a supportive environment to practise speaking English, make new friends and learn more about the language.
With all these activities back up and running, why not make a trip down to The Hub this February and get involved? It’s the perfect place to try something new, connect with your community and keep active both mentally and physically.
Visit their website to learn more about their upcoming classes and events.
About the HUB
The HUB Neighbourhood Centre originated in 1986 when concerned Inala residents sought to address the isolation of elderly community members. What began as informal social gatherings in a private home eventually led to the establishment of a registered association that convened at the local community health facility. In 1989, a Queensland government grant allowed HUB Centre to officially open its own permanent premises. Paid staff came on board in 1994 to assist volunteers in delivering essential services and programs to the community.
Oodles, a delightful mix of poodle and other breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, or Labradors, are the stars of a monthly play date organised at an off-leash dog park in Forest Lake.
Natalie Pham, a Forest Lake resident and proud owner of two adorable Oodles named Dino and Bambi, is the woman behind this regular event. Natalie’s took inspiration from her frequent encounters with fellow Oodle owners during her afternoon strolls with her beloved pets.
Having to sometimes travel nearly an hour for previous Oodle play dates with people she knew, Natalie decided it was time to create a local hub for Forest Lake Oodle owners.
She kickstarted her initiative by posting about the event on the Forest Lake Community Facebook page and created an official event for like-minded pet parents to join.
The response to Natalie’s event was immediate and enthusiastic. While approximately 20 people had initially indicated their attendance on the Facebook event page, the actual turnout exceeded all expectations.
Surprisingly, over 40 Oodles attended the event, accompanied by their fur families, making the event a delightful and bustling gathering.
As the event unfolded, Natalie discovered that the playdate served a greater community purpose. It provided a safe haven for Oodle owners who had previously encountered negative experiences at other dog parks, leading to anxiety in both their dogs and themselves. This newfound sense of camaraderie and safety has inspired Natalie to envision the playdate as an ongoing monthly event.
The next Oodles Play Date has been set for Sunday, 11 Feb 2024 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Forest Lake & Districts RSL Sub Branch members recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Sub Branch’s first meeting, which was held in late 1998. However, despite enjoying substantial growth then, the Sub Branch had no place to call home for 20 years.
The Forest Lake & Districts RSL Sub Branch boasts a tight-knit community of 127 League members and 61 social members, including two active foundation members. Most recently, the Sub Branch completed the refurbishment of its first clubhouse.
The Vision Behind the Clubhouse
Two of the Sub Branch’s dedicated committee members – District Delegate Dan Baldwin and Secretary Sharron Ford – shared the story of this ambitious project.
Dan joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as an airman in 1969 and served for 22 years. In 1975, he was accepted to undergo a three-year tertiary degree and received his commission in 1977.
Since finishing his military career, Dan has thrown himself into various volunteer roles serving the Forest Lake community. He has been a member of his local RSL Sub Branch for seven years. Dan has been part of the Sub Branch’s assistance dog training program.
Sharron became involved in the Forest Lake RSL Sub Branch in 2017, after her husband Steve (a RAAF veteran) was first elected to the committee. She initially supported him as Assistant Secretary, before stepping up into her current role when Steve became President.
Photo Credit: RSL Queensland
In the past, meetings with the Forest Lake & Districts RSL Sub Branch would usually be held at someone’s house or a golf club or somewhere else. Stemming from a momentous act of generosity from the local Nashos, the Sub Branch was gifted a derelict WWII building in the Wacol Heritage Precinct in 2019.
The heritage site, previously part of the Wacol Army Barracks, is also home to a chapel and hall, which are managed by the Nashos. It also houses the military museum by the Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles and Ex-members Association Inc.
Home, Sweet Home
In providing a home for the Sub Branch, a new space for veterans was born.
“For many years we searched for a place to call home. About three years ago, we started the rebuild and our members spent many hours demolishing the buildings’ contents to turn it into our clubhouse,” Dan says.
“However, COVID-19 quickly stopped our progress, so we couldn’t start work again until April 2021, and we’ve only been able to complete the final touches like pathways this year,” Sharron adds.
Although it took longer than planned, the finished space is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Sub Branch community. Every part of the clubhouse has been thoughtfully designed for veterans and their families, from the handmade commemorative quilts and artworks decorating the walls to the barbecue lawn and communal hall where regular social gatherings are hosted.
Photo Credit: RSL Queensland
Since 2023, the new clubhouse has been used for many events and meets with the members and their families.
An elderly man was caught in a traffic collision at Forest Lake Blvd and Grand Ave junction around 2:50 PM on January 3, 2024. The collision resulted in severe leg injuries for the victim.
Emergency services swiftly responded to reports of the collision. Upon arrival, they attended to the injured man on-site before transferring him to the Princess Alexandra Hospital for urgent medical care at approximately 3:40 PM.
The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation by local authorities. Eyewitness accounts and potential surveillance footage are being reviewed to determine the sequence of events that led to this unfortunate incident.
The Forest Lake community stands united in support, hoping for the speedy recovery of the injured resident. Thoughts and prayers are extended to the victim and their family during this challenging time.
Updates on the ongoing investigation into this incident are expected to be released by the authorities. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with any information that might assist in understanding the events that transpired at the corner of Forest Lake Blvd and Grand Ave.
As the investigation progresses, the community remains united in concern and support for the injured party, emphasising the importance of road safety for all residents in Forest Lake.
Students in Pallara, Heathwood, and Forest Lake will have access to expanded school bus services starting 2024. New services will be added, whilst some existing routes will see adjustments.
From 22 January 2024, the 803 bus route serving the Pallara area will offer two morning pick-up times from Brookbent Rd – 7:38 a.m. and 7:43 a.m. The afternoon 803 service will depart Pallara State School at 2:50 p.m.
The 804 route from Heathwood to Pallara State School will continue without changes.
Photo credit: TransLink/Facebook
Additionally, a new route 777 will be added to provide service between Pallara, Heathwood and Forest Lake High and St Johns. This route will have a morning pick-up at 7:30 a.m. from Brookbent Rd, with stops along several roads before reaching Pallara School at approximately 7:50 a.m.
In the afternoon, the 777 route will leave High Street in Forest Lake at 2:40 p.m., stop at Pallara School at 2:50 p.m., and reach its final stop back at Brookbent Rd by 3:13 p.m.
Photo credit: TransLink/Facebook
Finally, adjustments have been made to the district’s 789 route from Heathwood to Corinda High. The morning bus is scheduled to arrive at Corinda High School at 8:14am. Return buses are set to depart Corinda High at 3:05 p.m. and 3:10 p.m., passing through the Parkwood Dr/Watergum St stop between 3:46-3:51 p.m.
The expanded bus service represents a victory for the Pallara community after years of insufficient public transportation options for students. A few years ago, with no school buses available, some families were even resorting to Uber rides to get their children to and from school each day.
Although there were some TransLink stops along local streets, residents reported that buses rarely actually stopped to pick up riders. Now, thanks to advocacy efforts like community petitions that led to six new permanent bus stops built in 2022, the area will benefit from multiple new and improved routes.
Families are encouraged to review the updated routes via TransLink’s website as they plan transportation needs for the 2024 academic year.
A substantial multi-warehouse complex, spanning over three hectares, will soon grace the Richlands industrial sector, thanks to a new project by Centuria Capital, a prominent Sydney-based fund manager.
This new development located at 616 Boundary Road is designed to boost the industrial landscape of Richlands, a suburb already home to major companies like Coca-Cola and Target.
The site currently houses a 13,763 sqm warehouse, which was acquired by Centuria in 2018 for $15.9 million from logistics group Border Express in a three-year leaseback deal.
The new development plan (DA A006399282) proposes replacing the existing facility with three office-warehouse buildings, totalling 16,718 square metres under roof.
Photo Credit: DA A006399282Photo Credit: DA A006399282
The design of these warehouses has been meticulously considered to complement the surrounding area, which predominantly consists of industrial retailers and warehouses. Each of the three proposed warehouses is designed to be slightly over 14 metres in height, with individual gross floor areas of 6713, 6097, and 3908 square metres.
The design and construction standards of these warehouses are expected to positively contribute to the character of the surrounding industrial development. The project is not just about expansion but also about revitalising an underutilised site to create valuable industrial opportunities, in line with local and state planning frameworks.
Photo Credit: DA A006399282Photo Credit: DA A006399282
Additionally, the proposal includes plans for local employment opportunities both during the construction and operational phases. The complex will also feature onsite parking for up to 116 vehicles and will be accessible from Boundary and Archerfield roads. It’s strategically located close to the Ipswich Motorway and Richlands train station, and is designed to accommodate large vehicles such as 26m B-double semi-trailers and 19m articulated vehicles.
Further bolstering its commitment to the logistics sector, Centuria has also secured a significant $500 million investment from a US firm, earmarked for acquiring strategic industrial assets across Australia. This move signals Centuria’s strategic expansion and growing influence in the logistics and industrial real estate markets.
A family’s routine morning in Forest Lake turned alarming due to an unexpected e-bike fire. Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, showcasing the community’s resilience and preparedness in the face of unexpected dangers.
On the morning of 1 Dec 2023, residents of Oldbury Place in Forest Lake were startled by the sight of an e-bike engulfed in flames. The fire, which broke out early in the day, prompted an urgent call to emergency services.
Queensland Ambulance was quick to the scene, where they assessed the wellbeing of the affected family, including two adults and two children.
Remarkably, all family members were found to be in a stable condition, having been exposed to smoke but not requiring hospitalisation.
“Patients have been exposed to smoke but are in a stable condition,” a spokesperson for Queensland Ambulance confirmed.
As the fire crews arrived, they found the e-bike fire already extinguished. Their focus then shifted to ensuring the safety of the property and its occupants by ventilating the home. A spokeswoman from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) stated that one crew remained on site and investigated the cause of the fire, highlighting the importance of understanding and preventing such incidents in the future.
A 120-place, single-storey childcare centre on Waterford Road in Ellen Grove has been proposed in a recently submitted development application to meet surging demand for local childcare services in the area.
The 998 sqm centre will include three outdoor play areas, as well as 37 parking spaces for staff and visitors.
If approved, it will replace an existing residential dwelling on the site. The dwelling house will be demolished without needing planning approval prior to construction of the proposed 120-place childcare facility.
Plans (Photo credit: Verve Design Group)
Verve Design Group designed the modern facility, which will feature spaces for nursery, and children aged 16-24 months, 2-3 years, and 3-5 years.
3D Perspective (Photo credit: Verve Design Group)
The proposed childcare facility will assist in providing an essential service to the growing local community, as population projections estimate a continued increase in demand for childcare from the current catchment area population of 22,926 residents, a figure expected to reach over 28,000 by 2041.
“The proposed development of 120 places will only partially address the current structural shortfall in places supply, even if two other proposed (but not yet approved) centres are also progressed. This reflects the predominance of supply within the adjacent suburb of Forest Lake and the current paucity of supply in the suburb of Ellen Grove,” planners stated.
Temporary vehicle access is provided via Waterford Road along the eastern boundary until the rear road is constructed, while a dedicated pedestrian entrance directly connects the facility to Waterford Rd.
If approved, the proposed childcare centre will operate Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. to utilise its accessibility to nearby transportation corridors in order to provide a needed service for local families and caregivers.
A review has been launched into the death of Cath Groom, a 51-year-old Forest Lake resident who passed away overnight of a heart attack after allegedly waiting nearly two hours for an ambulance to arrive.
Ms Groom reportedly dialed emergency services at around 10:26 p.m. on November 18, complaining of chest pains. Despite her case being designated urgent under a “code one” classification that stipulates a 15-minute response time, no ambulance came after repeated calls made over the span of 90 minutes.
Exhausted, Ms Groom eventually canceled her ambulance request shortly after midnight with intentions of going to the hospital the next day. Tragically, she was discovered unresponsive by her son the following morning around 9:30 a.m. on what would have been her 52nd birthday.
Queensland Ambulance Service Commissioner Craig Emery acknowledged deficiencies in the emergency response, stating that they “should have done better in this set of circumstances.” He noted that half of all area ambulances were backed up at hospitals that night, unable to unload patients in a timely manner.
An investigation into the delayed response has been initiated per Commissioner Emery. The Forest Lake community has expressed both grief at Ms Groom’s untimely passing as well as frustration with perceived failures in emergency services that may have prevented her death.
Whilst an investigation proceeds into the emergency response surrounding her death, friends and family emphasize that Cath Groom was more than a loving mother. She was also a vibrant community member, and an individual whose story touched many.
Those close to her fondly recall her dedication to parenting, as she capably managed the responsibilities of raising a child on her own with remarkable resilience and kindness. Her passing leaves a void in many lives, especially that of the son she leaves behind.
Though the grief remains fresh, many hope the legacy of Ms Groom’s death leads to positive change in the way emergency services are able to respond to those most in need.
Grace Forbes, a new mum and a cancer nurse from Forest Lake, faced immense challenges following the birth of her daughter, Harriet. Battling severe postnatal depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), her life took a dramatic turn when she became the first in-patient at Mater’s Catherine’s House for Mothers, Babies and Families.
The South Brisbane facility, which opened in March, saved the life of Ms Forbes, who was under the care of a multidisciplinary team during her stay.
Mrs Forbes is bravely speaking out ahead of Perinatal Mental Health Week (12-18 November) to raise awareness of perinatal mental health issues and spread the message that support is available.
“I was in a really deep dark hole before I came to Catherine’s House,” she said.
“I had had a miserable pregnancy – I didn’t enjoy being pregnant at all.”
Photo Credit: Quinn and Co Photography/Supplied
Grace’s journey was fraught with difficulties, starting from a painful and uncomfortable pregnancy due to Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction, a condition causing pain in the pelvic area. This led to severe sleep deprivation and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. The rapid labour and birth of her daughter on 5 October only intensified her emotional disconnect, leaving her feeling numb and detached from her newborn.
“I hadn’t slept properly since I was 20 weeks pregnant. I couldn’t walk 10 metres and had to use a wheelchair,” she said.
“I was taking truckloads of painkillers just not to cry, I was barely functional.
“I was 100 per cent depressed and felt helpless. I had socially withdrawn and thought that was my life now.”
“My labour was so fast, just three hours. I felt disconnected to Harriet just from the shock of such a rapid labour that I couldn’t process what was happening and that she was real.
“When Harriet was born, she was put on my chest and I felt no connection to her.”
The situation reached a critical point when Grace, struggling with sleepless nights due to Harriet’s colic and her own mental turmoil, contemplated suicide. Recognizing the severity of her condition, her husband, Riley, who is a doctor, sought urgent help. This led to her swift admission to Catherine’s House, where a new chapter in her life began.
“I loved Harriet a lot and I didn’t want to harm her. She had colic and screamed all day and all night, I hadn’t slept properly in months.
“There was a lot going on in my head.”
“I was having trouble finding a psychiatrist and I was running out of steam. My husband Riley, who is a doctor, was on high alert – something had to change,” she said.
Photo Credit: Quinn and Co Photography/Supplied
Her recovery involved receiving daily support from the team at Catherine’s House, including peer support workers, a psychologist and a child health nurse, as well as medication for OCD.
Mrs Forbes also attended ‘Together in Mind’ therapy sessions, which further assisted her post-partum mental health struggles, and she joined a mums’ and bubs’ group with other mums experiencing similar mental health issues.
“The peer support workers have lived experience, so they knew exactly what I was going through,” she said.
“It was reassuring to see that model of care. People tell you all the time that things will get better, but to talk to someone who understood and has been through that experience themselves gave me so much hope.
“One of the nurses took Harriet to the nursery for the first couple of nights, and for the first time in six months I had a full night’s sleep – my brain really needed that.”
Catherine’s House was established in Mater’s former convent thanks to $17.6 million in public donations raised by Mater Foundation.
Eight in-patient beds at the centre are available for public patients suffering acute perinatal mental health issues thanks to a funding agreement with Queensland Government.
Since opening in March, 45 new mums have received specialist support in the In-patient Unit.
Mater Young Adult Health Centre Senior Manager Greg McGahan said it was heart-warming to see the impact Catherine’s House had had on new mums and their families since opening.
Photo Credit: Quinn and Co Photography/Supplied
“One in five new mothers and one in 10 fathers experiences mental health problems in the weeks after their baby’s birth, and many struggle to find help, so we want parents to know we are here to help,” Mr McGahan said.
